Words by PSY-23
Photo credit: [email protected]
Josh Kumra, an artist whose life and music have been intertwined since childhood, has traveled a unique path in the world of music. From picking up a guitar at age five to experiencing early success and profound personal loss, Josh’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. We caught up with him recently to talk about life and his career, delving into his early beginnings, meteoric rise to fame, personal struggles, and ultimate rediscovery of his passion for music.
Josh’s introduction to music was a family affair. Born into a household where music was cherished, Josh found his first musical companion in his father. At the tender age of five, he picked up a guitar, a moment that marked the beginning of his lifelong love affair with music. By thirteen, music had become a significant part of his life, and by fourteen, he was playing more seriously, relying on his father’s knowledge and experience to guide him. This familial bond over music not only nurtured his talent but also instilled in him a deep passion that would drive his future endeavors.
In 2011, at just nineteen, Josh’s career took an unexpected leap. He collaborated with British rapper Wretch 32 on the single Don’t Go, which soared to the top of the UK charts. This number one single was a game-changer, catapulting him into the spotlight almost overnight. The success of Don’t Go was a whirlwind, filled with media attention, recording deals, and high-profile performances. RCA/Sony signed him, and he had the opportunity to play on Later… with Jools Holland, further solidifying his place in the music industry.
Josh’s early career was marked by significant relationships with influential figures in the music industry. He found himself moving in circles with some of the most influential figures in British music at that time, including Jamal Edwards, the founder of SBTV, and Ed Sheeran. These connections not only provided him with valuable support and exposure but also influenced his musical style and career trajectory. Despite the rapid success, Josh often felt that he had peaked too soon, a sentiment that would later influence his decisions and outlook on life and music.
The trajectory of Josh’s career took a dramatic turn with the tragic death of his close friend. This sudden loss profoundly affected him, leading to a period of introspection and withdrawal from the music scene. Josh found himself questioning his identity and purpose, reflecting on who he was during his early success and this period of self-reflection revealed a tendency to be a people pleaser, a coping mechanism he had developed to navigate the pressures of the industry. As he grew older, Josh realized the importance of staying true to oneself, both in life and in art.
The emotional turmoil following his friend’s death prompted Josh to reassess his relationship with music and his career. He began to understand that music was more than just a means to achieve commercial success; it was a form of catharsis, a way to express and process his emotions. Conversations with fans about the impact of his music reinforced this realization, highlighting the importance of authenticity and personal connection over sales and numbers. He moved away from London and returned to Swindon, so that he could focus on what was most important to him without having to deal with the pressures and chaos of living in the capital.
Josh’s journey has been shaped by his personal growth and evolving perspective on life and music. He has come to realize that life is full of unexpected challenges and that the best way to navigate these is by staying true to oneself. Music, for Josh, is a way to share his experiences and connect with others on a deeper level. This philosophy is evident in his recent work, which emphasizes authenticity and emotional honesty.
After becoming a father a few years ago, Josh’s perspective on life and music shifted once again. Fatherhood brought a renewed sense of purpose and clarity, prompting him to look back on his career and rediscover his love for playing music for people. This period of reflection led to a long-term hiatus from the music industry, during which he focused on rebuilding his life and career on his terms.
Josh’s return to music has been marked by a commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity. He became disillusioned with the music industry’s commercial pressures and decided to focus on creating music that genuinely reflected his experiences and emotions. He built a home studio, as he does whenever he moves somewhere new, and began working on new material, embracing a more independent approach to his career. This decision allowed him to reconnect with his passion for music and create art that was true to himself.
Pre-pandemic, Josh released an EP, marking his re-emergence into the music scene. The EP, which had been five years in the making, featured four songs that he felt truly represented him as an artist. One of these songs,Pull Me Back In, served as a sort of reset, symbolizing his return to music and his renewed commitment to making music for the joy of making art rather than chasing commercial success. Josh wrote, produced, and recorded the EP in the garden studio he built, a testament to his hands-on approach and dedication to his craft.
For Josh, home studios have become an essential part of his creative process. They provide the freedom and flexibility to experiment and create music on his terms. This setup allows him to maintain complete control over his work, from recording to producing and mastering. The move to a new house and the subsequent rebuilding of his studio have been pivotal in his journey, enabling him to continue making music that resonates with his personal experiences and artistic vision.
During his teenage years and into his twenties, Josh regularly smoked weed, a habit that influenced both his life and music. After the passing of his friend, he chose to adopt a more teetotal lifestyle, although he occasionally misses aspects of his past habits. Cannabis played a significant role in his creative process, helping him connect with his emotions and find inspiration. During our interview, Josh explained that he had made the playlist for our readers to enjoy, as he thinks the songs are ideal to enjoy while getting high.
Throughout his career, Josh has faced numerous challenges, from the pressures of early success to the emotional impact of personal loss. These experiences have taught him valuable lessons about resilience and self-discovery. He has learned that true success is not measured by commercial achievements but by the ability to stay true to oneself and create art that resonates with others.
Moving forward, Josh plans to release music independently, free from the constraints of major labels. He has an album ready to go, recorded and produced in his home studio. The process of creating this album has been a solo endeavor, allowing him full creative control and the freedom to explore his artistic vision. This independent approach reflects his belief that music should be about personal expression and connection, rather than commercial success.
As Josh looks to the future, he is focused on continuing to create and share music that reflects his personal journey and experiences. He plans to tour again, bringing his music to audiences around the world. This time, however, he is approaching his career with a new perspective, prioritizing authenticity and personal connection over commercial success. His upcoming album, recorded in his home studio, is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his desire to create music that is true to himself.
His journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself. From his early beginnings as a young musician to his rise to fame and subsequent personal struggles, Josh has navigated the highs and lows of his career with grace and authenticity. His recent work reflects a renewed commitment to creating music that is deeply personal and emotionally honest, resonating with listeners on a profound level. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Josh remains dedicated to sharing his experiences and connecting with others through the universal language of music.
Learn more about Josh Kumra
Soundcloud click here
First featured in Weed World magazine issue 170
Something to get high on playlist…
The Apple – Willie J Healey
Step Into Your Power – Ray Lamontagne
Hummingbird – Low Roar
Spottieottiedopalicious – OutKast
I Forgot To Be Your Lover – The Black Keys
Clear In The Eye – Ocie Elliott
Curse Me Good – The Heavy
Texas Sun – Khruangbin
Colors – Black Pumas
A Prayer Of My Own – Nick Mulvey
I Dare You – Josh Kumra
